By Cheryl Chan Cheryl Chan addressed the crowd of 300 people on Autism Advocacy Day, speaking about Nicky’s Law. For those who were unable to attend this year we share her speech with a plea that we all work together to make this piece of legislation LAW. Thank you to the members of AFAM for [Read More]
The Story of Me
HMEA’s Autism Resource Central is a great organization that I have been involved with in one way or another for most of my life. As a sibling to an autistic brother, William, I have witnessed how the understanding and compassion for individuals on the spectrum has grown since the 1990s [Read More]
Be an Autism Super Hero
My life is chaos. That kind of comes with the territory when you have 4 neurotypical kids. Not just “what do you MEAN you can’t find your shoes?!” chaos, though there is that, too. More like “‘Kick in the crotch’ is NOT A GAME WE PLAY!” kind of chaos. Add a 6’2” 200 lbs man-child [Read More]
Ryan’s Voice
By Ryan Litchfield, Autism and Disability Self-Advocate Ryan spent time as an intern at the Center a few years ago and wrote about his experience as person with autism. We welcome him back to share an update with us on the challenges and achievements he has had since graduating from college. Prior to [Read More]
Steps to Independence
By Amy Smith Long time Center members may remember another time that this young man packed his bags for a trip to Jacob’s World. For those who don’t remember the story of Jacob’s world check out the link. Amy Smith shares her own wonder at the progress her son has made over the years. [Read More]
Finding My Zen
By Sue Loring In 1988, when my son was three, and we were anxiously seeking an answer to what was causing his language delay, his seeming lack of need for sleep and frightful temper tantrums, Hollywood produced an Oscar winning film, Rainman. If you’ve never seen it, I’d highly recomm end you watch it. [Read More]
We can do it … Together
We can do it.. Together.. One step at a time.. By Jaya Pandey This morning on my way to the city All I could think of “1 in 52”. Playing in my head over and over again was how important it was to be in State House today, how important advocacy, our voice, our kids’ [Read More]
The Challenges of Work
by Michael Comeau My first job was a Greeter at Friendly’s. My dad was working as a dishwasher on the weekends for some extra spending money. They loved him there, so naturally all he had to do was put in a good word and I was hired. He insisted that I fill out an application [Read More]
The Loving Push…
With my size 10 boot! By Mia McDonald A social skills group my son attends asked the parents to read “The Loving Push” by Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Debra Moore, one a doctor of animal science, the other of psychology. Both fields of study adequately prepared these capable women to write this life-changing book. [Read More]
Circle Life
by Cynthia Gauthier Last night as I was drifting off to sleep I heard from across the hall your still childlike voice, rambling off a new string of oft repeated yet unrelated words. Among those, my very favorite: “Circle life”. That heart melting phrase that you chose on your own. Your battle cry [Read More]
